Cell phone safety is a topic that has received a good deal of attention lately. From concerns about driver safety to worries about the effects of cell phone radiation, there is growing consensus that these phones carry a variety of risks. Although it is likely that risks can be managed through use of good judgment and simple precautions, it is important to understand the dangers that come with using a cellular phone.

Measured Risk

Perhaps the most significant concern about cellular phones is that they produce small radioactive emissions through their antennae. Although many common electronics devices such as radios, pagers, and computers also give off these emissions, cell phones are of special concern because of their close proximity to the head. In particular, the antenna is the central radiation source and it is often aligned right with the opening of the ear.

High levels of radiation can heat human tissue, and they have the potential to damage or alter cells. It is difficult to know what low levels of radiation can do, but savvy consumers are not taking any chances. They are opting for hands-free devices and antenna shields that block the impact of these emissions.

Of course, the biggest safety concern arises when people attempt to drive while dialing. A considerable body of research documents that, despite our perceptions to the contrary, we are not very good at multi-tasking with our phones. Talking while driving diminishes attention resources, impairs emergency responses, and presents the biggest risk of harm associated with using a cell phone.